New Jersey holds FAS 109 seminar, follows with full-day program.

• Author: Goldie, James
• Position: Chapter News

While many professional organizations are reeling from the effects of the faltering economy, the demand for highly trained tax people has never been more acute. The New Jersey Chapter helped meet the demand this Fall, conducting two full-day educational seminars for its members. The two programs were the inspiration of incoming President and veteran planner, Charlie Hayes.

The first, held September 24, was a Special One-Day Seminar on FAS 109 and FIN 48. The program provided a full day of instruction at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick (hometown of Rutgers University and the Scarlet Knights). The accounting firm of Amper, Politziner & Mattia co-sponsored the event, supplying speakers Jay Graham, John Harrison, Peter Bible, Mike Hadjiloucas, Jeff Allen, Richard Sackin, Adnan Islam, Jonathan Lysenko, John Genz, and Gary Bingel. Topics included business combinations, valuation allowances, unit of account, materiality, and international issues including repatriation. Planners were concerned, given the south-central location, and the narrowly focused agenda, whether the program would arouse sufficient interest among members, so reduced fees were offered. The chapter's members responded positively, turning out in full-force. The traditional scramble for additional seating and copies ensued. Participants noted the polished nature of Amper, its presentations, and its written materials. All agreed the meeting was an unqualified success.

The second event, held the Friday before Thanksgiving, was a full-day seminar co-sponsored by Deloitte & Touche. Deloitte "stuffed the turkey" with top-notch speakers: Sean Gogerty (Research Tax Credit), Kevin Ruane and Beth Waring (Tax Efficient Repatriation), Norm Lobins (Doing Business in a Distressed Economy), Kevin O'Brien and Jay Desai (State Tax Developments in the Northeast), Doug Connell (Canada), Rajesh Gandhi (India), David Shanahan (Ireland), Matt Batham (the UK), and Phillip Gall (Partnership Allocations). Speaking in the afternoon were Michael Carnevale (Partnerships) and Timothy Guenther (Foreign Currency Transactions).

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